Chapter 2
The next morning, the sharp sound of tape being ripped echoed from the study.
I pushed the door open and saw Brandon shoving my art books and textbooks into a cardboard box.
The pages crumpled and made a loud noise as he stuffed them in.
He didn't even look back.
"Sophie needs to start streaming again to cover her expenses," Brandon said. "Her hours are all over the place, and if she's in the living room, she'll end up disturbing your rest.
"The study's got good soundproofing, so I'm moving your art supplies to the storage room for now. From now on, you can read quietly in the master bedroom, and it won't get in your way."
Stuff was scattered everywhere.
I walked over and picked up the paintbrushes one by one.
"Just pack them up and put them in the storage room," I said.
Brandon froze for a second.
He stood up and looked at me, his tone softening a bit.
"I'm taking her to the computer store this weekend to pick out some streaming gear," he said. "You should come with us and pick up a new tablet while you're at it."
"No, thanks. I've got bills to deal with," I replied.
I hugged the paintbrushes to my chest and walked out, shutting the door behind me.
Later that afternoon, the delivery guy hauled in five or six massive cardboard boxes.
Every single label had Brandon's name on it.
The boxes were labeled with large soundproof foam panels, boom arms, and pro lighting gear.
My phone lit up with a message from Brandon.
Brandon: [Hey, what do you want for dinner? I'll grab some takeout.]
I glanced at it and swiped the message away.
I bent down and sealed the last box full of junk with clear tape.
I opened up Instagram, and the first thing I saw was a post from Sophie from half an hour ago.
Sophie: [New life, new beginnings. Thank God I found the most reliable shoulder to lean on when things got tough.]
The pic was a shot from behind, taken in the study.
Brandon was on one knee, sleeves rolled up, putting together her brand-new computer desk.
I stared at the screen for a second, forced a smile, and hit the back button.
That evening, the study door swung open.
Sophie shuffled out in her slippers, clutching an empty glass.
She stopped in her tracks for a moment when she spotted me on the couch.
"Evelyn, sorry for taking over your study," Sophie said. "Brandon said I have to earn rent, so I need a quiet spot."
I didn't look up from my computer, replying carelessly, "It's Brandon's apartment. He gets to decide who uses what."
Sophie was caught off guard, bit her lip, and quietly headed to the kitchen.
At eight o'clock, the livestream kicked off.
The study door was sealed up with fresh soundproofing, but Sophie's voice still carried through, loud and clear, thanks to the mic.
"Hey, everyone, I'm back. Got a brand new setup today!" she called out.
The TV screen flickered, casting shifting shadows across my face.
The living room was packed with my easels and a dozen or so cardboard boxes.
Sophie's giggles drifted through the door, clear as day.
I grabbed the remote and turned the TV volume down to the lowest.
I sat there, unmoving.
My phone buzzed with a reminder from my calendar.
It was our three-year anniversary, the one I'd booked at that fancy restaurant half a month ago.
I tapped the link and canceled the reservation.
The notification chime for the refund echoed through the living room.
It was clear and decisive.
On my way to the bathroom, I slowed down as I passed the study.
The door was left slightly ajar, a sliver of light spilling out.
Sophie was making a heart with her hands for the camera.
She was wearing a loose men's striped shirt, draped over her shoulders, collar undone.
I personally ironed out every wrinkle in that shirt for Brandon before he left on his trip last month.
"This shirt? Oh, come on, don't get the wrong idea," Sophie said, grinning at the camera. "It's just a friend's. My clothes are still in the laundry, so I'm just borrowing this for now."
She playfully stuck her tongue out at the camera.
I opened the livestream app and hopped into her stream.
The chat was full of playful banter and teasing comments.
Brandon stepped out from the edge of the frame.
He handed Sophie a glass of water.
Sophie looked up, her smile bright as she accepted it.
"Guys, don't get the wrong idea. I'm just staying over for a few days," she said.
Brandon stood with his back to the door, not saying a word.
He just stood there by her side.
I looked down at the stream on my phone.
The chat was full of [The host is so thoughtful!] and [Such a perfect match!]
I pressed the lock button.
The screen went dark in an instant.
On the other side of the door, laughter and the sound of glasses clinking mixed together.
I turned and walked back to the living room, the place piled high with boxes.